The Los Angeles Angels have undergone a significant transformation since the beginning of the season. After consecutive performances, they looked set to make it to the playoffs for the first time after 2014. But their season took a turn as they lost games at regular intervals. Currently placed fourth in the AL West, the Angels are fighting for the playoffs. But the race has derailed after injuries to Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. Given that these two superstars were the team’s core, their absence at this crucial juncture would hurt the team. But it is not the only problem.
Given that these two players had faced injuries in the past, everyone expected the medical team to have a sharp eye on the players. But that never happened, which probably forced the prized star towards another surgery. The same seems true with Trout, who continues to miss games with resurfaced injuries. With this the question lingers: Is questionable management behind the injuries of two Future Hall of Famers?
Injuries to Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout Brings Some Tough Questions
Physical sports are challenging with a possibility of injury in every outing. Because of this, even the fittest of the fittest is prone to getting hurt. In a continuous league such as MLB, the likelihood of injuries tends to rise due to increased fatigue. Therefore, teams use maximum precautions while taking care of the players including proper scanning to check the condition of the body. Based on the analysis management moves players in or out of the squad. But it seems the Angels did not follow it with Shohei Ohtani.
The two-way phenom was allowed to play even after cramps and fatigue. They also revealed that they did not scan the player for injuries. It happened until they found that Ohtani had torn the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and would require another Tommy John Surgery. But even after that, they allowed him to bat until putting him on a day-to-day observation on Monday.
Notably, the problem seems to be the case with Mike Trout. He suffered a left hamate fracture and missed many games. Although he returned to the squad, Trout has been out since August 23 with an injured left wrist. It forced him to miss many games and the 11 All-Star failed to do well after batting a slump at the start of the season.
Given that he is getting injured regularly, it seems there is a problem with the management that failed to rectify the actual cause and treat him to stay fit for longer. Though it seems the Angels are taking good care of the players now, has the damage already been done?
Will Injuries Hamper Future Prospects of Troutani?
It was already in the public that Ohtani would go for the free agency with circulating reports and estimations of him getting around a $500 million contract. But after he had an injury, there are suggestions for him not to pitch anymore. If that happens, it could hamper his contract estimates because teams might not want to pay him that much for playing a DH.
The case is similar for Trout. He has indicated a will to leave Los Angeles after playing for them since 2011. But the outfielder is not in the best shape at the moment and if he leaves Angles, he might find it tough to find a desired team.Therefore, it feels the injuries not only have hampered these superstars’ present but can cause trouble in their future too. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
